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New Iberia, LA

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New Iberia, LA

New Iberia is the largest city in and parish seat of Iberia Parish in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The city of New Iberia is located approximately 21 miles (34 kilometers) southeast of Lafayette and forms part of the Lafayette metropolitan statistical area in the region of Acadiana.

New Iberia is served by a major four-lane highway, U.S. 90 (future Interstate 49), and has its general aviation airfield, Acadiana Regional Airport. Scheduled passenger and cargo airline service is available via the nearby Lafayette Regional Airport located adjacent to U.S. 90 in Lafayette.

New Iberia dates its founding to the spring of 1779, when a group of some 500 colonists (Malagueños) from Spain, led by Lt. Col. Francisco Bouligny, came up Bayou Teche and settled around what became known as Spanish Lake.

The Spanish settlers called the town "Nueva Iberia" in honor of the Iberian Peninsula; French speakers referred to the town as "Nouvelle Ibérie" while the English settlers arriving after the Louisiana Purchase called it "New Town." In 1814, the U.S. government opened a post office in the town, officially recognizing the name as New Iberia, but postmarks from 1802 show the town being called “Nova Iberia” (Latin for "new"). The town was incorporated in 1839 as the "Town of Iberia", but the state legislature amended the town's charter in 1847, recognizing New Iberia as the town's name.

New Iberia is located in southern Louisiana, in the Acadiana region. The city of New Iberia is a part of the Lafayette metropolitan area. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.6 square miles (27.4 km²), all land. In 2000, the population density was 3,088.8 inhabitants per square mile (1,192.6/km²). There were 12,880 housing units at an average density of 1,219.5 per square mile (470.9/km²). New Iberia lies approximately 16 to 20 feet above sea level.

Among the lakes near the city is Lake Peigneur, which was formerly a 10-foot (3.0 m) deep freshwater lake until a 1980 disaster involving oil drilling and a salt mine. The lake is now a 1,300-foot (400 m) deep saltwater lake, having been refilled by the Gulf of Mexico via the Delcambre Canal. There is also Lake Tasse, better known as Spanish Lake. This region has many natural features of interest, such as Avery Island, famous for its Tabasco sauce factory, deposits of rock salt, and Jungle Gardens.

New Iberia places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Iberia Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Planet Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Clark Integrated Medical Clinics provides comprehensive medical, chiropractic, and rehabilitative services to help patients achieve optimal health. Bayou Teche Paddle Trail offers kayaking and canoeing activities, perfect for cardiovascular exercise and outdoor enjoyment. There are also parks such as Bank Avenue Park and Louise Park. 

The top sites in New Iberia, LA are TABASCO Factory Tours, Shadows-on-the-Teche, and New Iberia City Park.

Population: 27,473 (2022). ZIP Codes: 70560, 70562-70563. Area codes: 337. Elevation: 20 ft. Area:11.25 sq mi (29.15 km²).

FAQs

What is New Iberia, LA famous for?

The Acadians, who in their new home came to be known as Cajuns, imbued the region with their unique cultural traditions and cuisine. Today the area — which is home to world-famous Tabasco® brand Pepper Sauce and Jungle Gardens on Avery Island — is renowned for its food, music, and festivals, which draw from the melting pot of Spanish, French, African-American, Lao, and Creole heritage. Throughout the year, the city comes alive with an array of festivals and events, offering opportunities for residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant heritage and traditions of the region.

What is New Iberia, LA crime rate?

With a crime rate of 39 per one thousand residents, New Iberia has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 25. Within Louisiana, more than 88% of the communities have a lower crime rate than New Iberia.

What are the demographics of New Iberia, LA?

New Iberia is a city located in Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, St. Martin Parish, and Vermilion Parish Louisiana. New Iberia has a 2024 population of 26,552. New Iberia is currently declining at a rate of -1.7% annually and its population has decreased by -6.49% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 28,394 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of New Iberia was White: 46.58%, Black or African American: 44.71%, Two or more races: 6.28%, Asian: 1.56%, Other race: 0.57%, Native American: 0.29%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0%.

Sources

City of New Iberia

Wikipedia - New Iberia, Louisiana

World Population Review

Neighborhood Scout

Explore Louisiana

TABASCO Factory Tours

Shadows-on-the-Teche

New Iberia City Park

Iberia Medical Center 

Planet Fitness 

Clark Integrated Medical Clinics

Bayou Teche Paddle Trail

Louise Park

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.